If you love desserts that are:

✔ Buttery and soft
✔ Slightly custardy
✔ Rich without being heavy
✔ Layered with sweet fruit filling
✔ Perfectly sliceable yet gooey

Then these Chewy Gooey Bars will absolutely steal your heart.

They are:

Not brownies.
Not cake.
Not cookie bars.

They’re their own beautiful category.

Think:

Buttery shortbread base + creamy custard filling + jam ribbon + golden top.

And yes — that glossy top layer you see? That’s what makes them irresistible.

Why These Bars Are Different

Traditional bars often fall into two camps:

Cakey = dry and fluffy.
Crumbly = fall apart when sliced.

These bars?

They strike the perfect balance.

The secret lies in:

• High butter content
• Balanced sugar
• Egg-rich filling
• Cream cheese custard layer
• Slight underbake

The result is:

Soft center
Chewy edges
Creamy texture
Clean slices after chilling

They feel luxurious — like bakery-quality pastry squares.

Full Ingredients List (Complete & Detailed)

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Yield: 16 bars
Pan: 8×8 inch square pan

Buttery Base Layer

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Jam Ribbon Layer

• ¾ cup raspberry jam (or strawberry preserves, smooth)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thicker ribbon)

Creamy Custard Layer

• 8 oz (225g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Optional Topping

• Light dusting powdered sugar
• Extra swirl of jam before baking

Step-by-Step Instructions

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Step 1: Prepare Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line 8×8 pan with parchment paper.

Grease lightly.

Step 2: Make the Base

Cream together:

• Butter
• Sugar

Beat until light and fluffy.

Add:

• Vanilla
• Salt

Mix in flour gradually.

Press dough evenly into pan.

Bake 15 minutes until lightly golden.

Cool slightly.

Step 3: Add Jam Layer

Spread jam evenly over warm base.

If using cornstarch, mix into jam first.

Keep layer thin and smooth.

Step 4: Prepare Custard Filling

Beat cream cheese until smooth.

Add sugar and mix.

Add eggs one at a time.

Mix in:

• Vanilla
• Heavy cream
• Flour

Beat until silky.

Step 5: Assemble

Pour custard over jam layer.

Smooth gently.

Optional: swirl small spoonfuls of jam on top.

Step 6: Bake

Bake 30–35 minutes.

Center should jiggle slightly.

Edges lightly golden.

Do NOT overbake.

Step 7: Chill

Cool at room temperature.

Refrigerate at least 2 hours before slicing.

This step is essential for clean, gooey squares.

Texture & Flavor Profile

These bars are:

Soft
Custardy
Buttery
Creamy
Sweet but balanced
Slightly tangy from cream cheese
Jammy in the center

They taste like:

Cheesecake meets jam tart meets buttery bar.

The base is tender.
The middle is silky.
The jam adds brightness.

Pure comfort.

Why This Recipe Works (The Science)

Butter creates richness and chew.

Cream cheese stabilizes custard while staying soft.

Eggs set structure without turning cakey.

Jam layer adds moisture contrast.

Chilling allows full set while preserving gooey texture.

It’s controlled softness.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: 5 days airtight
Freezer: 2 months wrapped tightly
Best served slightly chilled

They get even better on day two.

Flavor Variations

✔ Blueberry jam
✔ Lemon curd ribbon
✔ Chocolate swirl
✔ Salted caramel layer
✔ Orange marmalade twist

You can completely customize this base recipe.

Perfect For

• Holiday dessert trays
• Potlucks
• Afternoon tea
• Family gatherings
• Make-ahead entertaining

They slice beautifully and look impressive.

Nutritional Information (Per Bar)

Calories: 265
Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 4g
Sugar: 17g
Fiber: 1g

Interactive Moment

If you bake these Chewy Gooey Bars…

Save them on Pinterest and tag me here:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Tell me below:

Team raspberry jam?
Or team lemon curd swirl?

I absolutely love seeing your creations!

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• https://poulef.com/lemon-custard-cake
• https://poulef.com/100-layer-chocolate-chip-cookies

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